Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary healthcare profession that focuses on treating the underlying cause of disease and illness through supporting the body’s self-healing capabilities. Treatment plans encompass a blend of modern scientific research and traditional forms of healing that are individualized to reach each patient’s health goals. Naturopathic medicine plays an important role in integrative health care, and treatments can be used on their own or together with conventional medicine. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are general family practitioners, and are trained to integrate standard laboratory testing and findings on physical examination with a broad range of natural therapies. At Juniper Family Health, our doctors will take the time to provide thorough assessments and comprehensive health guidance, in a caring and compassionate environment.

Treatments Offered by Naturopathic Doctors:

Naturopathic medicine is truly integrative. At Juniper Family Health, our doctors can recommend a wide range of natural medicines, and can also prescribe pharmaceutical medications when required.

Clinical Nutrition: Therapeutic diets and nutritional supplementation are used to treat underlying nutritional deficiencies, support body systems, and prevent or in some cases reverse progression of disease.

Detoxification: Education on how to minimize toxic exposures combined with treatments such as saunas, hydrotherapy, nutritional supplementation, and botanical medicines are used to improve the body's natural elimination processes.

Bioidentical Hormones: Structurally identical to hormones produced naturally by the human body, bioidentical hormones are a safer alternative to the synthetically modified hormones that have been used in the past with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

Acupuncture: Specific acupuncture points are selected to help re-establish balance in the body. Click here to learn more.

Allergy Desensitization: A small dose of allergen solution is taken under the tongue in a series of treatments to improve allergic symptoms by reducing the body’s sensitivity to the allergen.

Injection Therapies: Intramuscular (IM) and intravenous (IV) injections of high dose vitamins and minerals are used to treat deficiencies, improve energy, aid detoxification, and support immune function. Click here to learn more about IV nutrient therapy.

Laboratory Testing Offered by Naturopathic Doctors:

At Juniper Family Health, our doctors offer a variety of laboratory services to help ensure that your visit and treatment plan are as comprehensive as possible.

Food allergy & sensitivity testing

Environmental allergy skin prick testing

Female and male hormone analysis

Adrenal stress hormone analysis

Comprehensive thyroid testing

Celiac disease testing

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) testing

Lactose intolerance testing

Comprehensive digestive stool analysis

Blood sugar testing

Cardiovascular screening

Pregnancy tests

Urine analysis

Nutritional deficiency testing

Regular annual screening panels (Life Labs)

PAP testing

Training and Regulation of Naturopathic Doctors:

In British Columbia, naturopathic physicians are licensed and regulated by the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia (CNPBC). For licensure, naturopathic doctors must complete a university undergraduate degree followed by a four-year naturopathic medical program. NDs also complete 1500 hours of clinical training in addition to coursework, and must pass board exams in order to be licensed in the province.

Does Insurance Cover Naturopathic Care?

Most extended health care plans cover naturopathic services, usually between $200-$500 per year. The provincial MSP plan does not currently cover naturopathic care, except limited coverage for individuals on Premium Assistance.